Catching Up is Hard to Do

The most difficult thing about procrastination is that it eventually does catch up to you. The things you put off just don't get done until you stop procrastinating. Unfortunately, I am highly skilled at very few things and I have turned delaying the inevitable into an art form.

So, I figured it was probably about time to stop dilly dallying around with this blog and play catch up on the last few concerts I've attended. Seriously, it's been so long since I posted about a show, that I will have to go back an see where I left off! LOL So, it looks as if I left off back on December 8 with Winter Wonder Slam. Wow, I am definitely behind!!!

I had tickets to see Dashboard Confessional with New Found Glory (actually, I think it was the other way around)in early November and the show ended up being cancelled. I used the refunded ticket money for Winter Wonder Slam. So, when they rebooked an acoustic show for December I was a tad disappointed about not being about to go since I really couldn't justify the expense and I was pretty much out of stamina anyway. Fast forward to January when I get a message from Lauralee telling me that Dashboard is doing a free show in Ogden! I planned to go. When the 15th came around, I was not feeling all that wonderful, so I spent the better part of the day debating about whether or not I should make the short trek to Ogden. I finally talked myself into going. I left later than I thought I should have, which turned out to be plenty early enough, and headed out to Ogden around 3:15 or so. I found the place without too much trouble. They were setting up when I arrived, so I talked to guys opening the show, and hung around and just watched. I took pics of some of the Christmassy things that were still up in the area, and some of the sights of the street.




I didn't bring my pro camera because I wasn't sure it would be allowed, and it was so bitter cold I just didn't want to leave it in the car for hours. I probably could have brought it as the gal standing behind me had hers and no one seemed to care. But I'm kind of glad I didn't have to carry it around, as I usually bring all the gear along with it. LOL When sound check came around, I was there watching, and was going to try and get a drummer shot, since they are so hard to do in the dark during a show with a point and shoot. I was told it wasn't time for pics yet, so I put it away. But I did get this one shot before I was asked:

Then I was asked to stand back by the sound booth so I didn't make them nervous. LOL So I watched sound check and tried not to freeze to death. Did I mention that it was bitter cold?! And I forgot my hand warmers. :(

From a few people stopping and looking here and there, the crowd had grown quite large. I managed to stick up for a few people who had to move their cars and successfully save their spots. While we were waiting I was able to have some great conversations with people. I rather hoped I'd hear from them again sometime. After what seemed to be an eternally long wait, it was finally time for the show to start.


About halfway through the opening act, the crowd to was urged to get closer, and that's when the pushing just got totally insane. The barricade was shorter than normal, and hit me mid chest, so breathing wasn't the easiest thing to do. It went on like that most of the night. I really did enjoy Dashboard's set, and the local opener was fun, but it was not at all comfortable. The highlight for me was hearing Dashboard play Stolen as I just love that song. Oh, and getting the setlist made my night!!



When the concert was over, I had the option of heading to a bar to an afterparty, but since I was freezing, very sore and tired, fairly broke, and not really all that comfortable in bars anyway, I decided to head for home. I might have gone had I known someone and felt a little better. I hope it was a good time for all.

I think the Dashboard concert was preparation for the Brand New concert on Jan. 29.

But that is for another blog. Next... Collective Soul, John Allred, John from The Staples, and The Ivy League. One down, three to go. :) Good times!

Do Yourself a Huge Favor

This a video from the concert Thursday night. Please do yourself a favor and take the time to check it out. The sound quality is incredible, and the song is gorgeous.

Allred Winter Tour "Tomb" (Midvale)

Amazing Day, Amazing Night

I have been looking forward to seeing Jonathan Jones for a while now, and the fact that they furloughed me on Tuesday made it all that much easier to plan to see him on December 4. The last three times Jonathan was here, he managed to come when I was going to be out of town. Jonathan came when I was going to Creation Northwest in Washington, when I had hotel reservations and ticket for Warped Tour in ID (and he was 10 minutes from my place) and when I was going to be in Phoenix in September.
It was as if he was checking my calendar and scheduling all of the dates I would be gone. So, it was with much anticipatiion that I headed out yesterday to see Jonathan Jones, John Allred and Spiral Diary.

I arrived early, as usual. I knew I could easily arrive later at that particular venue, but if I leave later in the day, I run into traffic, and I really didn't want to end up trying to find the place after dark at all! so, I managed to get to the venue a little after 3 p.m. The show was at 7. So, I hung around in my car to keep warm, took a few photos of the marquee, walked to a gas station a LONG way down the road and got something to drink and did the ladies room thing (man was that a yucky bathroom) and walked back. Then I had a good laugh at myself as I'd forgotten that there was a Maverick on the corner the opposite direction and pretty much in plain view. Yes, I am a dork!

Then I just went back to my car, ocasionally getting out to see if there was anything going on. A little after 4 o'clock, John Allred and company showed up at the venue and I said my hellos. I went back to my car for 10 or 15 minutes (it was deceptively cold outside) and checked again just as Shane came out and invited me inside the venue. I think he thought I'd been standing there all along. SO I just watched people around me, for a bit, and tried to stay out of the way. John and I had a long conversation (well long for the circumstances - before a show) and I enjoyed talking to him quite a bit.

Finally the others started arriving. Sam, the promoter, arrived, and Corey came in with Jonathan Jones. At some point, Sam asked me if I would take pics and I of course I said, "sure" and he asked me if I needed an area set aside or anything. I said my hellos to Jonathan and gave him a gift (not sure how thrilled he was with the gift, but I know he appreciated the thought), and I gave Corey some poinsettias. She really loved them. :) Then Corey and I set out on a short trek to find something to eat. I purchased a mexican pastry from a deli next door although it wasn't much of a deli, and Corey bought a donut. They had mexican pastries and donuts, a very small cart with some mexican food items, but not much else. We had hoped for salads and/or sandwiches. We ended up at a Mexican restaurant next door. The menu was primarily in Spanish. I don't know much Spanish, but fortunately I know a lot of food items. We didn't see it at first, but there was English underneath some of the menu items. LOL Anyway, they made the burritos to our specifications (we both had beans, rice, guacamole-not pasty stuff, but big avacado chunks-and they left the cheese off mine) and they were huge! Then we went back to the venue to eat. I can't believe I ate the whole thing! I must have been hungry. I should have taken a photo, though. Anyway, while we were just about finished eating they started moving chairs around to where we were sitting, so we finally had to move out of the way.

After dinner, I waited in the front of the line until I could hand my ticket to someone, and people came in slowly. It was all very casual, and in fact was probably one of the most mellow, laid-back concerts I can recall in a long time.
You could really tell the crowd was into the music, but it was really timid. I see that once in a while and in some ways it's really nice, but it is also a bit awkward at times for the artist, I think.

At any rate, Spiral Diary played first and I really loved his set. I have seen Dave once before opening for John Allred, and liked him then as well. I meant to get his cd after the show (it didn't end up happening as he left before I made it over there.)

Then there was a really long break, and Jonathan Jones came out on stage. I think some, if not most people, were expecting him to be the headliner, so I was kind of puzzled. That being said, Jonathan came out and did a great set, although it seemed far too short!! My friend, Lauralee, got me the setlist which was really amazingly awesome of her and REALLY thoughtful. (I owe you Lauralee.) I had almost forgotten as I had been so into getting photos and the music that I wasn't my usual self about getting a set list as I collect them. The only thing wrong with Jonathan's set was that it was just way too short and it left me wanting more. :)


After Jonathan finished his set the stage was set up for John Allred. (John has been touring with Jonathan.) John is a popular local artist here, and he deserves to be. He has great vocals, great music, and a delightful stage presence. Most of the crowd was definitely familiar with him last night, and it was quite obvious. I really enjoyed John's set quite a lot last night.

At the end of the night, it was rather awkward as people applauded. IT was as if they wanted and expected John to do an encore, but people didn't get into calling for one. A few of us were and finally after an awkward silence, people started to cheer, so he came back out with just an acoustic guitar. He sat down on the edge of the stage and had everyone sit down. Then he took requests for a couple of songs and had people sing along. It really was a very intimate set-up and an joy to be a part of. And this time I remembered the set list. :)

After the show ended, I chatted with Corey and Lauralee for a long time. I almost missed the chance to get Jonathan's cd as he was packing up. But I did get two copies, one for me and one for a friend in Ohio, and I gave him a hug from her, too. :) Then I just hung around John's table and bought his Christmas cd, and Corey took a pic of me with John, and I took a photo of the two of them. It turned out cute.

Finally Corey and I walked out together, and we talked in the lot a little longer in the lot. It was really too cold, though, and she excused herself and we went our separate ways.


I had a really great time with some great people. Thanks all! :)

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas Now...

--Melanie

Paul Coleman at Wheeler Farm

Wednesday also known as September 3, 2008, I had plans to go to a place called Wheeler Farm to see Paul Coleman at a free concert. A friend of mine who is the local Rep. for People for Christ Ministry had set it up for a new, local artist to open for Paul. I asked if she wanted to ride share since I have so many trips planned to Salt Lake, not to mention a trip to Phoenix, planned this month.

Eleanor picked me up around 3 p.m., and she had a few errands to do before we actually went to the venue. She made a pit stop by the dentist and had me take her car to Albertson's to get something to bring to the dinner part of the show. They were serving hamburgers, I think. I picked up a couple of desserts and some cut watermelon to take along. The watermelon looked yummy.

Finally we stopped to meet with the Dick of People for Christ who was coming to see Chrissy, as he is looking to be her manager. We all ended up riding in his little econo car to the Park. When we arrived, Chrissy was already starting to sing, which was a bit early, so we went right over. I took some photos. Chrissy is a very mellow artist with a quite beautiful voice and a cute personality. I waited to eat because I was a little out of sorts when I first arrived, so I just hung around by the stage and took photos. The Farm was really gorgeous.

After Chrissy played, Scott (of Pivitplex) took the mike and introduced Paul Coleman. Paul has a nice voice, (except for that one really painful screech which was rather on purpose to be funny) and Paul was pretty funny and engaging on stage, much as I remembered him in Boise when I saw the Newsboys. I took quite a few photos of Paul during his set and enjoyed his performance immensely. At one point he did a whole set of "Bob Dylan sings contemporary Christian music" numbers. I went over to Scott and mentioned that he sounded more like Bob Dylan than Bob Dylan did. He left out Bob Dylan does the Newsboys so someone shouted out that he should do Newsboys and he did Shine. It was hysterical. He really did sound like an old Dylan record, though. Paul has a gift for involving the audience, which he used quite readily at Wheeler Farm. It was very memorable - good worship, and good fun.



Afterwards, there was a speaker, and I went over to see if I could get some food. Much to my dismay, it was all pretty much put away and cleaned up except for cake - chocolate with chocolate icing and ice cream. I can't have either. I figured I was going to have to fix me something to eat after all. Then they brought out some white cake, and I figured I was in luck. I asked to have one without ice cream and guarded it so no one would put ice cream on it. I guess I was a little hungry by then. LOL

After cake, I went over and bought Paul's cd, got a photo, and chatted a little. I also took pics of Paul with other people I knew as I wanted them to have that also.
I promised Paul I would send him a message so he could tell me where to send pics. LOL Eleanor told him they should take me on tour to do photos. I about died. That would have so terrified me. LOL Let's just say it wouldn't have worked. LOL

Finally we loaded our gear in the car and headed back to the hotel. Then Eleanor dropped me off at home.

The next day, the plan was for Chrissy to play at a nice little Italian Restaurant here called, Rivoli's. Dick and Eleanor were there as well as some of the PFC volunteers. It all went really well - the food was good, and the atmosphere was quite relaxing. It wasn't a really busy night, but several people inquired about Chrissy and the owner of the restaurant introduced himself and made sure we were happy with everything. I took my camera but left it in the car until Eleanor asked me about photos, so I went and retrieved it.

Tomorrow I am volunteering to work at the Natalie Grant concert at the Fairgrounds, and I also volunteered to work Tuesday for Veggietales and the lost children's booth. That should keep me busy and in trouble. Hopefully I'll get to take some pics along the way. The very first show I ever used my DSLR on was Veggietales. LOL I didn't even know quite how it worked yet. Consequently, I had rather slow shutter speeds in a low light setting. I still got a few good ones. Nothing much has changed. LOL

Hope everyone is having a great week and your next week is a pleasant and memorable one.

Peace out,
Melanie

Park City, Deer Valley, Bob Dylan and the Thunderstorm

When I purchased a ticket to see Bob Dylan clear back on June 28, I figured that I would probably find a place to stay the night and come home on Monday. I asked my husband if he wanted to go up with me and get a room (he likes driving more than I do) and he was definitely interested in the notion. LOL So, after much research I booked a room at the Marriot Park City. It took quite a while to find a room because I was mostly getting resort condos - we're talking up to $500 a night, or less but requiring a minimum stay of more than one night. Definitely out of my price range. But I found the Marriot, and the price was actually quite reasonble. Since it's a ski resort area, it is "off season" so I'm guessing that's why.

Anyway, we left for Park City a little before 10 a.m., made a pit stop at Smith's for gas and some Duct tape (to keep my back window from leaking if it rained) and headed down the road. Yahoo said the drive was 1 hour and 7 minutes, and that actually turned out to be pretty close. The directions to the hotel were perfect and we found it with no trouble. We stopped and I inquired about early check-in and that went well and we were in our room in a short amount of time. The room was really very nice indeed! There was a balcony overlooking the pool, which I never did get to use.

Anyway, once we got settled, I conned my husband into dropping me off at the venue. He wasn't too keen on picking me up after the show, and I wasn't too keen on getting lost late at night and I thought he might decide to go for a drive or something. But he went ahead and being a good guy, he dropped me off. Later I would call the hotel to ask about a shuttle service and was told that I could take a bus to the hotel if I left by 10:30 p.m. That was the plan.

There were 7 "lanes" going up to the venue with about 10 people in each lane. I got into the shortest line and prepared to wait about 6-1/2 hrs. for the gate to open. I had planned to bring a book, but with the promise of rain, I didn't think it wise. People ahead of me were well prepared - books, lawn chairs, tarps, umbrellas, coolers and even booze. It was amazing. It looked like they were moving in for the long haul. LOL I had a small wallet, my cell phone and a pack of gum. I didn't want to be delayed with searches and the ticket said no cameras allowed. Part of me wished for the camera later. They really didn't seem too concerned with the point and shoots I saw and there wasn't much in the way of a search going in.


A few hours before the gate opened, we did get rained on lightly off and on. There was sun and blue sky on one side, dark rain clouds on the other. I started to look for a rainbow and found a small one. I love rainbows. It didn't last long, though.


Potty Break - the bathroom was really pretty:

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity (the time really seemed to drag), it was time to go in and find my spot for the evening. We were even let in 15 mins early. That never happens!! I managed to find a good spot by the barricade. I even managed to squeeze in and out for some food at one point. Others around me were gracious enough to hold my spot for me. Just as I left with my food it was starting to rain, and was pouring before I finished my Grilled Chicken sandwich with mushrooms and onions. One thing I had looked for at Smith's was a rain poncho, but didn't find one. I would regret not stopping for one later in the evening. I was soaking wet.

Bob Dylan started the show pretty close to 7:30. He came out with a huge white hat and wore it the entire evening. I was to his left, and he was at the keyboards facing my direction. There was a guitarist in front of me, and a bass player, then a drummer. On the other side of the stage was the sound guy and another guitarist.
Dylan pretty much stayed at the keyboard except for two or three times when he went over by the drummer. I noticed that for a good part of the night, the guitarist and bass player would just watch Dylan, like they were looking for some cue. The guitarist referred to his set list a few times. I decided I was going to try and get that list. LOL

Dylan played 15 songs, and then left the stage to raucous applause. I really enjoyed the music. I have a feeling the sound on the vocals might have been a tad better a little further back. His voice had a rather growly sound on some of the lower notes, but higher he sounded pretty good. I didn't recognize all of the music.
I knew from talking to others that Dylan doesn't say much from the stage. In fact, he never said a word, other than the words to his music. I really did enjoy it, but by the end of the set I was almost glad because I was freezing. LOL That made me feel kinda bad. LOL But I cheered with the others for an encore. He came out and sang Rolling Stone - now there was one I could sing along to. I loved the encore! And I knew the words. LOL





At the end of the night I kept my eye on the set list. I asked the security guard if he could ask for it for me. I told him that I knew he couldn't get it off the stage. He said he couldn't even ask, I'd have to yell. So I hung around and waited and tried to get someone's attention eventually. Another gal came up looking for a pic. I told her I never saw any or noticed any left behind. I persisted in my quest.
Two security guys were there now and told me they didn't think anyone would get anything tonight. Finally a guy came close enough that I got his attention and he got the set list for me. So, Mr. Security had to admit that persistence pays off. LOL I set out across the mud, and headed for the merch booth. It was only about 9:30 or so. I still had a little bit of time.

At the merch booth, I thought most of the shirts were kinda ugly and a little costly.
The only one I liked was $35 and I just didn't want to spend that on a tee. So I bought a cd and a $15 poster. I normally don't get posters, but this had the date and venue printed. I bought the last one. On the way out the door, some guy offered me $60 for my poster. I turned him down, but had lots of second thoughts. LOL I think the next person he approached was going to take him up on it, but I went to find the bus stop.

It was a long wait for the bus. I just missed one, and it was probably a good 1/2 before the next one came. I was supposed to change buses at Main Street. AT least the bus was free - that was rather cool. At any rate, the bus driver told us that he was going to take the back road or he'd be waiting in traffic for 40 minutes. I think it may have been even longer. There was a lot of traffic and the roads weren't that big. It seemed like a long drive, compared to my drive up. I talked to the guy next to me, and watched the guy across from me pour at least two glasses of wine and down them. I couldn't believe he was doing that. He was pretty smashed.
We got to the Main Street transfer station, and the bus driver called in our situation. I think we must have missed the last buses, so he just drove us all to our respective locations. He dropped me off right at the back door of the hotel just as three other people were entering, so I didn't even have to fidget with the door!

I was kinda hungry, and asked the hotel about food, but everything was closed. A guy at the hotel offered to take me to 7 Eleven. I wasn't too sure, but the desk clerk knew, and he was registered at the hotel, so I figured it was relatively safe. He waited for me, and dropped me back off and went to park his car. It was really very nice. The sandwich I bought was kinda dry, but at least I wasn't hungry anymore.

Then I took the longest, warmest shower I could stand. It felt wonderful. I almost fell asleep standing twice. Then I turned in for the night and slept. I was awake at 7 a.m. Ed and I went to McD's and had a breakfast, came back and loaded the car.





I took photos of the hotel and the mountain with clouds sitting on it with my point and shoot, then got out the DSLR. Then we headed out of town. Along the way Ed found a good place to pull over in a business lot, and it was adjacent to a little "bog" with a bunch of cattails. Across the street was a good shot of the hil with low lying clouds, so I took a few photos.





Then we headed for home. I was able to see a good show, and spend some good time chatting with my dear husband. Another adventure bites the dust.

Peace out,
Melanie

P.S.
Set list for Deer Valley (Denny)

1. Rainy Day (my note - good choice LOL)
2. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere (A) Times Db) Masterpiece (A)
3. Memphis (Ab)
4. Not Dark Yet (F#)
5. Twice Tambourine (Db)
6. Million Miles Blind Willie
7. Desloation (F) MIssissippi Woman
8. Levee Breaks
9. Simple Twist She Belongs to Me (Ab)
10.Honest With Me
11.Spirit
12.Highway
13.Queen Jane (Db)/I Believe in You
14.Thunder
15.Ain't Talkin'
-------------
Rolling Stone
Watchtower/Blowin/Times (Db)

Death Cab for Cutie

My intention was to arise bright and early and head out to Thanksgiving Point and arrive there sometime around 9-10 a.m. on Monday. As it turned out, it was 3 a.m., and I wasn't asleep yet, and I wanted enough rest to make the hour plus drive to Lehi. My daugther was going to take me, but as it turned out, my husband took me to her, and she let me use her car. That probably added a good 1/2 hour to my traveling time altogether. So what started out as trying to make it by 10 a.m. turned into being happy if I could get there by noon. I decided in advance not to stress over time this time around and trust God on that one.

I made it to my daughter's place, spent a few minutes paying attention to her dogs, and chatting, stopped at the gas station down the street to put gas in her car, called her to find out how to open the gas cap cover, filled up and headed down the road. Along the way the street was lined with flags, a visible reminder that it was Memorial Day. I wondered about the etiquette of flags in the rain, but they did appear to be plastic, so I suppose no harm done. LOL It was still quite a site. :)

I finally made it on the freeway, and made pretty good time getting to Thanksgiving Point even if I wasn't really driving all that fast. At one point I hit the emergency flashers and had to figure out what I touched to set them off. I'm quite sure the guy behind me was rather puzzled. LOL At any rate, I made it there in one piece just around noon. There were already a few people waiting, 4 gals who had been there since 5 or 6 a.m., and 4 other gals who were sitting in chairs covered with blankets and an umbrella. AN umbrella would have been smart since we were to be rained on, hailed on and standing in the wind. Thunder and lightening had me a tad concerned at one point as it was the one thing with the potential to cancel the show. And my motto is the show must go on? LOL It was to be a very long wait, on a cool rainy day to see Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara at an outdoor venue.

As it turned out there were technical difficulties (sound problems we were told) that delayed the opening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. As a result the opening band, Rogue Wave was cut from the show. There was a 10 p.m. curfew. I really felt rather bad for them even though I'd never heard them before as I know the merch sales after a show are probably their bread and butter. So, unheard, I bought one of their cd's after the show... but I"m getting ahead of myself. LOL

To add insult to injury (if you know me) I had to take my camera back to my car as they said no cameras were allowed. Phones were o.k. Several people did get in with cameras and no one said anything at the stage even in the front row. But I just had to be satisfied with cell phone pics. But it's better than nothing. :)

At any rate, once I was inside the gate I found it was a very long run to the stage. And even though the gals in front of me were inside the venue waiting in the restroom (one of the workers let them in) and I was in the front of the line and was one of only two people who were checked before the gates open, I barely made it to the front row. Me and two of the 6 o'clock gals who were next to me could not figure out where the other people came from. But I was happy... front to the left just in front of Ben. Not too bad, I'd say. :) I was a tad apprehensive about being pushed hard after the accident and prayed about it and two bigger guys were behind me and they pretty much took the brunt of everything, so I had it pretty easy most of the show. I said I probably owed them dinner or something. :)

As for the concert, Tegan and Sara weren't bad, although I wasn't blown away I did like their set just fine. I had heard they were good live and "stand up" comedienne's onstage, but they didn't have a lot of time for banter. They did manage a little, though. After they were through I managed to get a set list.


Finally, it was time for Death Cab for Cutie. I recognized the guy managing the stage from previous shows and noted that he'd been with them for quite a while. He rather reminds me of Ben, too, although they look more alike when they both were wearing frames. LOL I guess one can't get away from noticing the changes band members make when you see them only once a year. Anyway, they apologized for the wait and played quite a long set which, of course, I didn't mind at all. :) They played When Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You Into the Dark (with audience accompaniment), A Movie Script Ending (Highway), Crooked Teeth, I Will Possess Your Heart (with Intro) and quite a few others. Death Cab's stage presentation has become progressively better since the first time I saw them a few years ago. At one point Ben held up his guitar "rock star style" straight up and said he was just used to playing it I guess the "normal" ?? way? and said he needed to practice it but probably on their time because it looked cooler. Everyone laughed. After the last song the applause and chants started for "encore" and "one more song". Ben came out and said they would have to make it quick because they would all turn into pumpkins or something or other at 10 p.m. due to a curfew. Then they pretty much played right up to the limit. It was really a good set overall.




I tried to get a set list but was told there was none, even though I could have sworn I saw them tape paper down. So, maybe the took them with them? LOL Two of the security guys really tried for me, though, so that was cool.

Anyway, I tried to look for a key someone lost, to no avail, and I left when I didn't see her anymore. Then I headed for the merch table and bought one of DCFC's cd's that I didn't have (Something About Airplanes) and a tee, and the Rogue Wave cd and headed for the car. I took one look at the traffic and decided to wait a bit. I walked over to the farm just to look and saw a llama in the dark, and smelled farm smells, took a phone call from someone and finally headed for home. My daughter decided she had a friend that could bring her to pick up her car in the a.m., so that saved me an extra trip.

So, now I'm home, up way to late, and very tired. I think I'll put the dogs in their crates and catch some sleep.

I still intend to blog about meeting Ernie finally, I'm just waiting til I can get the pics up to accompany it. Hopefully I can do that this week.

And please, don't forget the Chapman family in your prayers. There's also a Prayer for the Chapman's group on facebook. I'll add the link later once I look it up.

Have a great week,
Peace out,
Melanie